How many of us keep ourselves in the dark when it comes to where our food comes from? We turn the other way because we don't want to learn about male chicks being tossed into a grinder because they're not "profitable", we don't want to see pigs suffering and immobile in their tiny birthing pens. But thanks to the work of animal activists and organizations like the Humane Society, more and more people are waking up to these practices and opting to go plant-based. We met Lauren Pitts at the amazing Humane Society Annual Gala, where we bonded over animal welfare, celebrities and all things plant-based! Lauren always had a passion for animals, but she also ate them. Then three years ago she decided to stop keeping herself in the dark about where her food was coming from. After watching video by Dr. Melanie Joy, she threw her lunch in the trash, and embarked on plant-based lifestyle. But she doesn't stop at her own diet: through her work with the Humane Society, she's getting plant based meals into schools, universities and hospitals! Cows can live to 20 years old, but they will be slaughtered by the time they're 3. And then we eat them. Yet we can completely survive on plant based foods. For Lauren, the easiest, cheapest, best thing to do for the environment and animals is to reduce your meat consumption. Try a Meatless Monday, or go plant-based a couple of days a week, or be vegan before 6pm – whatever works for you. Just go for it, give it a try – you might surprise yourself. We're also joined by surprise guest Kari Jean Glosser, a certified financial planner and adviser who's recently joined the plant-based movement. She's 3 months into her plant-based lifestyle and loving it! For all the show notes visit foodhealsnation.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices